Wednesday, February 17, 2016

WASHINGTON D.C. (February 17, 2016) – CinemaCon Managing Director, Mitch Neuhasuer, today announced that Phil Groves, SVP IMAX Corporation and EVP Global Distribution IMAX Entertainment, will receive this year’s “Passepartout Award”. The CinemaCon “Passepartout Award” is presented annually to an industry executive who demonstrates dedication and commitment to the international marketplace. CinemaCon, the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), will be held April 11–14, 2016 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Groves will be presented with this honor at The International Day Luncheon taking place on Monday, April 11, 2016.

“One of the most respected and admired executives working in the industry today, Phil Groves continues to demonstrate an unequalled commitment, dedication and passion for the motion picture theatre experience,” noted Neuhauser. “For the past 12 years he has played an instrumental role in the success story known as IMAX culminating with new worldwide records set this past December with the release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’ We are honored to be able to single Phil out for his great work throughout the world.”

“Phil has been my partner in crime for 13 years and besides being an incredibly talented film executive with amazing industry relationships, he’s the most decent and trustworthy person I know,” said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. “He’s played an instrumental role in IMAX’s success and having him as my sounding board is invaluable.”

Groves joined IMAX Corporation in September 2003 with the primary responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the company’s global film distribution, the development of original film content and working with the studios’ distribution teams on event films using the IMAX DMR® process. During his tenure he has brought a slate of Hollywood blockbuster event films to IMAX screens around the world and has increased the reach of IMAX documentaries to more multiplex and institutional IMAX screens worldwide. Prior to IMAX, Groves was Vice President of Film for Loews Cineplex and has earned screenwriting credits or storyboarded a number of films including the comedy classic “Airplane!.”

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry -- from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas -- all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies. Additional information on CinemaCon, the Official Convention of NATO, can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 57 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.